Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra
The Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra or RDYO is a respected orchestral training program for young musicians located in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The RDYO was formerly known as the Delta Youth Orchestra . The name was changed in March 2013. Rehearsals as of September 2014 will be held in Richmond, British Columbia. It previously rehearsed at the Ladner Community Centre, 4734 - 51st Street, Delta, British Columbia. The RDYO is sponsored by the Delta Symphony Society which is a registered non-profit charity and the society provides this orchestral and chamber music training program for young musicians from ages 5 – 24 years. The Orchestra was founded in 1971 by Harry Gomez, Fred Preuss, Charles Glushka, Anita Sleeman,[1] and Aileen Docherty.
Orchestral divisions
The orchestral program has several divisions:
- Capriccio Strings - This is an introductory ensemble designed for young players and their first experience in playing in a group. Members are required to read music and have basic technical skills before joining. Entrance into the ensemble is determined by a placement audition.
- Junior Strings - This is a junior ensemble with students in elementary school, RCM Grades III - VI
- Intermezzi Orchestra - Students in elementary school to junior high age. String orchestra repertoire with some full orchestra repertoire when the group combines with the wind ensemble
- Wind Ensemble - wind and brass players in senior elementary or high school. Min RCM Grade IV level required.
- Symphony Orchestra - full symphony orchestra up to age 24. Senior high school and university students make up the bulk of this group with a minimum requirement of RCM Grade IX for entry.
- Chamber Ensembles - small chamber groups composed of members of the Symphony Orchestra.
History
The Delta Youth Orchestra was founded in September 1971 by the Delta Symphony Society. Under the musical direction of Mr. Harry Gomez,[2] a well-known music teacher and conductor of youth orchestras, the Delta Youth orchestra started in 1971 with 36 players in the orchestra. Mr. Gomez held the position until his death in 1983. Lloyd Blackman (musician) took over as music director in 1985 and held the position until June 1995. Wallace Leung was music director from 1995–2000, and the current Music Director is Mr. Stephen Robb (2001–present).
Ten years after founding the youth orchestra, the Delta Symphony Society founded the Delta Conservatory of Music in 1981. In 1983 the school became a separate society and became the Delta Institute of The Arts, and later became the Delta Community Music School.[3]
The RDYO is a member of the Association of Canadian Orchestras (Orchestras Canada),[4] Delta Arts Council, and Richmond Chamber of Commerce.[5]
References
- ↑ <http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/anita-sleeman-emc/
- ↑ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0003763#SEC924990
- ↑ http://www.dcms.ca/school-history/
- ↑ http://orchestrascanada.org/?page_id=823&preview=true&preview_id=823
- ↑ http://www.richmondchamber.ca/Music-Instruction-Instrumental/Richmond-Delta-Youth-Orchestra-3463
External links
- Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra Official website
- Orchestra Canada